United Way Aims to Boost Literacy in Loveland Schools

August 21, 2014

Colorado Reading Corps launches in Thompson School District this fall

United Way of Larimer County is launching a new reading program this fall in the Thompson School District aimed at helping elementary students who are not reading at grade level become competent. Colorado Reading Corps will be rolled out at 14 elementary schools where approximately 400 students in kindergarten through third grade will receive one-on-one tutoring during the 2014-15 school year.

“Learning to read and gaining the ability to read at an advanced level is one of the most important skills that we teach our children,” said Thompson School District Superintendent Dr. Stan Scheer. “Colorado Reading Corps will be a terrific fit into our current literacy curriculum, and we are excited to be working with United Way of Larimer County on this project. We look forward to partnering with their staff and AmeriCorps members as we strive to help every single child to become life-long readers.”

Funded through a state grant from Serve Colorado as well as matching funds from United Way of Larimer County's Smart Start for Kids Initiative, the tutoring program has had great success in school districts throughout Colorado, including Jeffco Public Schools, Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Aurora Public Schools and Denver Public Schools.

“We know that third grade reading proficiency is a key indicator to a child's future success in school, work and life,” said Erin Zimmermann, United Way's Education Director. “We are thrilled to bring this program to our community and build on the incredible work already happening in our schools.”

Nationally recognized, Colorado Reading Corps is a research-based, data driven program that utilizes AmeriCorps members trained in literacy interventions to provide tutoring to students who are at-risk of falling behind in reading proficiency. On average AmeriCorps members work with about 18 students a day, providing 20 minutes of individually tailored tutoring for 13-14 weeks.

At the Loveland schools, 18 AmeriCorps members will serve in the program and two additional members will implement school readiness and read-aloud volunteer strategies in Larimer County. The program aligns with United Way of Larimer County's Community Impact Plan, which in part, focuses on school readiness and literacy as keys to future success.

Currently in Larimer County, 22 percent of students are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade and 17 percent of students do not graduate from high school on time. In Loveland alone, 285 third grade students district wide are not proficient readers.

United Way of Larimer County is committed to decreasing poverty and increasing prosperity so that all people in Larimer County have the opportunity for a better life. We bring together people and organizations from all across the community to drive long-term, lasting change in the areas of education, income and health. We invite you to join us and be part of the change. More information can be found at www.UnitedWayofLarimerCounty.org.